UMK set for Tampere as Finland prepares for Eurovision Song Contest

Yle’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) will take place in Tampere for the second consecutive year next spring, after moving from Turku. The competition selects Finland’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, and on February 8th, seven performances will be showcased. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held in Basel, Switzerland, from May 13–17.

The popularity of UMK has surged since Käärijä secured second place in the 2023 Eurovision Contest, leading to rapid sell-outs of tickets for the Tampere Arena. Last year, nearly 20,000 attendees watched the event live, while 1.9 million Finns and almost one million international viewers followed the show on television and Yle Areena, respectively. Tickets for UMK will be available starting October 3 at 9 AM.

This year marked a record with 485 song submissions, introducing modifications in the selection process. A professional jury led by YleX music chief Tapio Hakanen was involved, alongside five public juries featuring a diverse group of representatives. Hakanen hinted at a stellar lineup, including a prominent continuation of Finnish pop tradition and an emerging star, promising explosive band energy, a touch of German language, dance bangers, and emotional ballads.

UMK25 artists will be announced on January 8, 2025, with songs and music videos released daily between January 9–17.

The event brings significant benefits to the city of Tampere, attracting audiences and media alike. City event manager Saara Saarteinen emphasized that UMK enhances national and international visibility for Tampere. With February typically lacking in tourism, UMK has boosted the local economy, filling hotels and restaurants and fostering community spirit through various events. Future plans remain under wraps, but a vibrant UMK week is expected in early February.